Philadelphia home occupations are regulated under Phila. Zoning Code §14-603(13). Permitted accessory use in RSA/RM residential zones with limits on floor area, employees, and customer visits. Commercial Activity License required.
Home occupations must be incidental to residential use and occupy no more than 25 percent of dwelling floor area (max 400 sq ft). No non-resident employees permitted. No exterior display, signage limited to 2 sq ft non-illuminated. Customer visits restricted to daylight hours; no retail sales from premises. All Philadelphia home businesses must obtain a Commercial Activity License from the Department of Revenue and register for Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT).
Zoning violation: 300-2000 dollars per day. Operating without CAL: additional 300 dollars plus unpaid tax penalties.
See how Philadelphia County's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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